Amman: The Senate's Jordanian-Russian Friendship Committee, chaired by Senator Sharhabeel Madi, held a meeting with Abdul Razzaq Arabiyat, Director General of the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB), and several travel agents and tour operators engaged in the Russian market. The meeting aimed to explore ways to enhance tourism cooperation between Jordan and Russia, following the mutual decision by the two nations to exempt their citizens from entry visas.
According to Jordan News Agency, Madi emphasized that this initiative is expected to increase the influx of Russian tourists into Jordan, which would benefit the tourism sector and the economy in both countries. Madi described tourist cooperation as a means to foster understanding and cultural exchange between the Jordanian and Russian people. He also highlighted the need for strengthening direct air links between Amman and various Russian cities to facilitate easier travel.
Madi reaffirmed the committee's ongoing commitment to collaborating with official institutions and the private sector to support initiatives aimed at expanding joint tourism and economic cooperation. Arabiyat provided an overview of the JTB's promotional efforts and specialized programs designed to attract more visitors to Jordan. These initiatives are focused on showcasing Jordan's diverse tourist offerings, including cultural, religious, therapeutic, and adventure destinations, particularly in light of the eased travel procedures between the two countries.
Tourism agents present at the meeting highlighted key opportunities within the Russian market and discussed the development of joint tourist programs to foster sustainable cooperation between Jordan and Russia. They stressed the importance of establishing effective cooperation mechanisms to address challenges and enhance media promotion of Jordan in Russia.
Committee members further emphasized the need to improve tourist services and infrastructure to better accommodate visitors, especially from Russia. They noted that the visa exemption is a crucial step toward boosting tourist exchange and strengthening bilateral cooperation to serve the shared interests of both nations.